40 essential greek phrases for tourists [Updated & Printable]
The winter is almost behind us and you cannot stop dreaming of a relaxing holiday in Greece. Even though it is too early to start picking your perfect holiday outfits or planning your itinerary, you can already try to learn some common Greek phrases for your everyday conversations with locals.
Most of the people in touristic destinations will be able to communicate with you in English, but learning the basic Greek words to get around will surely make your trip more memorable – and might help you build a long-lasting friendship with a local. We have also created a printable version for you, in case you want to have your own copy.
The Essentials: Greetings & Polite Phrases
In Greece, a little politeness goes a long way. Use these when entering a shop or meeting your hosts at Iliomagic.
English vs Greek:
- Hello / Goodbye – Yassu
- Good morning – Kalimera
- Good evening – Kalispera
- Goodnight – Kalinihta
- Thank you – Efcharisto
- Please / You’re welcome – Parakalo
- Yes – Nai
- No – Ohi
- Excuse me / Sorry – Sygnomi
Pro Tip: Be careful with “Nai”! To English speakers, it sounds like “No,” but it means Yes.
It’s the #1 cause of confusion for first-time visitors!
At the Taverna: Food & Drink
Food is the soul of Greece. These phrases will help you navigate the menu like a pro.
- The bill, please! – To logariasmo, parakalo
- Water – Nero
- Wine (Red / White) – Krasi (Kokkino / Lefko)
- Beer – Bira
- I would like… – Tha ithela…
- I am a vegetarian – Ime hortofagos
- Cheers! – Ya mas!
- Delicious! – Nostimo!
- A coffee, please – Enan kafe parakalo
Getting Around & Shopping
Don’t get lost on your way to the sea!
- Where is…? — Pou ine…?
- The beach — I thalassa
- The pharmacy — To pharmakio
- How much is it? — Poso kani?
- I don’t understand — Den katalaveno
- Help! — voithia
- Do you speak English? — Milate Anglika?
- Sea: Thalassa
- The hotel — To ksenodohio
- Left — Aristera
- Right — Deksia
- Straight — Efthia
- Bus stop — Stasi leoforiou
- Map — Hartis
Making Friends: Small Talk
Greeks are incredibly hospitable. A few social words can lead to a long-lasting friendship.
- How are you? — Ti kanis?
- Fine / Great — Mia hara
- What is your name? — Pos se lene?
- My name is… — Me lene……
- Have a great time! — Kala na perasete!
- I love you — Sagapo
- Where are you from — Apo pou ise?
- I am from… — Ime apo
If you find some of these words hard to pronounce, you can always refer to google translate and play the audio of each word’s pronunciation. At Iliomagic, your hosts will be happy to help you practice and teach you any Greek word you need to express yourself!
And the printable version:
KALA NA PERASETE! (HAVE A GREAT TIME!)
